Personal Finances Articles

From personal finance to paying off debt, credit score insights, and more — you’ll find everyday financing basics here.

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Understanding how to manage your money is the first step to financial health. To help our communities, we’ve compiled articles with helpful tips for stretching your hard-earned dollars further. For a deeper dive on financial topics below, you can also check out our financial wellness courses.

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Banks That Offer Personal Loans – North Carolina Have you been looking for a bank that offers personal loans in North Carolina? Are you tired of sifting through endless search results only to be disappointed by your options? With plenty of North Carolina banks offering personal loans, it can be hard to pick which one is right for you. It is important that your personal loan provider is able to answer all of your questions and meet all of your needs. And, at First Bank, we understand that no two customers are alike and we work hard to make sure you are getting what you need. That is why we offer customized loans with competitive rates and flexible terms. Stop Searching, Start Comparing Now that you’ve found First Bank and you know how dedicated we are to meeting your needs, you can stop searching and start comparing. We offer great options for customers looking for personal loans. Each option provides you with the flexibility you need to borrow money when you need it. Personal Line of Credit Borrow money instantly Request cash by writing a check Qualified collateral may be required to secure your loan First Bank Platinum Credit Card with Rewards — A First Bank credit card allows you make everyday and monthly purchases in a convenient and secure way. Use your card to earn rewards points you can redeem for things like gifts, travel and entertainment. With your First Bank credit card, you will also receive other benefits, including: Security benefits Convenience benefits Shopping benefits Credit card interest rates can vary, but there is typically no annual fee. First Bank Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) — This type of loan is offered as a revolving sum of money you can access as need and can be a great way to finance larger projects. First Bank HELOCs: Have low interest rates Can be secured by the equity in your primary or secondary home Can be accessed with specially designed checks that are free of charge May allow interest expensed to be up to 100% tax deductible* Auto Loans — With the help of First Bank, you can purchase the new or used car—or truck—that you’ve been wanting. Benefits of auto loans from First Bank include: Competitive rates Loan amounts up to $100,000 Fast application 3 min read

How Much Should I Have in Savings at Age 35? How much money should you have in your savings account at the age of 35? It largely depends on when you started saving, your income and lifestyle, and whether you carry consumer debt. Savings for Adults in Their Mid-Thirties You might have heard friends, parents or financial advisors at local banks advise you to follow the 50/30/20 rule. If you follow this rule, you’ll break up your income in the following manner: No more than 50% of your income should go to required expenses, such as shelter or food. No more than 30% can go towards the wants in life, such as your gym membership or cable. The final 20% of your income should to towards savings, retirement and paying off debt. Some experts explain it another way and recommend that your savings should equal your salary by age 35. Still another way to approach savings is by using this guide from CNN Money. According to this, 35 year-olds should have saved the following, depending on their income: Income Estimated Amount in Savings $40,000 $60,000 $65,000 $97,500 $90,000 $135,000 $115,000 $172,500 However, this isn’t necessarily the case for many Americans, especially those with consumer debt or who didn’t get a job until later in their 20s. The savings goal at any age is simply to save so that you have an emergency fund, can pay off debt, and are able to invest. Now is the Time to Start Saving for Retirement Once you begin saving, it’s important to begin investing your wealth to let your money grow. This can be done through stocks and bonds, job promotions and salary increases, or even buying the apartment you’ve been renting. Your investment options should begin small and increase the more you save. Additionally, you should be making regular contributions to your IRA or 401k, whichever your company provides and matches. There’s no single answer to how much savings you should have by age 35. Ultimately, it comes down to your own unique budget and contributions. To learn more about savings at any age, contact your local First Bank* today. Our financial advisors can speak with you about your savings and help you plan for retirement. ——— Sources: CNN Money: http://money.cnn.com/gallery/retirement/2015/09/01/how-much-do-i-need-for-retirement/2.html CNBC: http://www.cnbc.com/2014/02/10/qa-were-in-our-30s-how-much-should-we-be-saving.html Investment and insurance products and services are offered through Osaic Institutions, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. 3 min read

The Benefits of Checking Accounts with Online Access Out of all the factors that tend to influence our decisions regarding financial management, levels of convenience tend to play a heavier role than others. For that reason, online tools, such as access to checking accounts online, have increased in popularity since they were first introduced. First Bank offers online personal banking, including access to checking accounts* to fit your wants and needs. How Do Access My Checking Account Online? In the past, checking accounts didn’t come with many extra benefits or features. They were simply used to deposit and withdraw your money. However, that is now changing thanks to online banking. Access to your checking account online can come in two forms: Through an established bank with a physical presence Through online-only banks with no physical branches Benefits of Checking Accounts with Online Access Flexible access — Convenient banking services can’t be emphasized enough. Online banking means access to services 24/7 from any location and on any web-enabled device. First Bank checking accounts offer online and mobile app** access with all checking accounts. Tracking and monitoring — Keep track of how much you’re spending and saving easily. Set alerts to stay on top of all activities related to your account. Streamlined financial management — View your account transactions online Transfer funds between accounts Monitor your budget Pay bills online Deposit checks remotely from any web-enabled device While online banks usually have fewer fees, they also tend to have more basic account offerings. If you do decide to open an account with an online bank, it’s also important to consider these two questions. How good is their customer service? Is a call-center your only option? Or can you speak with someone in-person? Having the option of speaking with a representative in-person can be a real advantage, especially if an issue is particularly complex. Is your account really secure? Security issues in online banking aren’t generally from the secure bank sites, but from the clients themselves. Clients have to be extra cautious when it comes to their web browsers or phone apps. If they aren’t properly password-protected or encrypted, they could potentially be hacked or infected by malware. Still, check the bank’s online privacy and fraud policy for your own peace 3 min read

What Is a Child Savings Account? “What is a child savings account?” In a child savings account, you can deposit spare change, birthday money and other loose funds to accrue some interest throughout their childhood. This teaches children the lesson of “a penny saved, is a penny earned.” Read on to learn more about a child savings account and how you can set one up with First Bank. What Is a Child Savings Account? A gateway to education. Research suggests that a child savings account greatly increases the odds that a child from lower to middle income will attend—and even graduate—from college. The research, conducted by Prosperity Now in Washington, DC, shows that children with savings accounts are more likely to start planning for college early and consider themselves college bound. A pathway to financial independence. Additional research conducted by the University of Kansas finds that children with savings accounts are four times more likely to invest in the stock market in adulthood. So, while the return on a child savings account might seem minimal on the surface, the benefits can pay big dividends in the long run. A child savings account is a great way to teach your son or daughter financial literacy and responsibility. Open a Child Savings Account with First Bank With just a $10 initial deposit, customers under the age of 18 can open a MyFirst Savings account and get started on a lesson with a lifelong payoff. A MyFirst Savings account comes with no monthly maintenance charge and no minimum balance needed. Interest is earned as long as certain requirements are met. Our account also comes with eStatements or paper statements, online and mobile banking* and two withdrawals per month free of First Bank fees. Learn more about our child savings account and guide your child to a brighter future with First Bank. *While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. 2. Withdrawal fee of $2 each after the first two during the month. Federal regulations limit withdrawals of preauthorized transfers to two (2) per month, including checks, drafts, online transfers, telephone transfers and debit card purchases. ——— Prosperity Now: https://prosperitynow.org/blog/empirical-evidence-support-childrens-savings-accounts 2 min read

Checking Account Comparison – South Carolina With over 75 banks located in the state of South Carolina, checking account comparison can be overwhelming. If you live in South Carolina and are looking at opening a checking account, consider stopping in at First Bank. First Bank Checking Account Options First Bank aims to make the process of comparing checking accounts as easy as possible. That is why we offer five different checking accounts, ranging from basic accounts for individuals to specialized accounts for college students and senior citizens. Everywhere Checking Free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements.* Earn rewards when you use your eligible First Bank credit card*** Everywhere Plus Includes all the great features and benefits of Everywhere Checking Earn interest at a minimal balance requirement. Everywhere Premium Includes all the same benefits and features of Everywhere Plus Free member checks or 50% off other check designs 4 free official checks per statement cycle Unlimited out-of-network ATM transactions with no First Bank fee Campus Checking For students under 25 Includes all the benefits of Everywhere Checking No monthly maintenance fees Senior Checking Monthly direct deposit of $250 a month can qualify Seniors (55+) for no monthly maintenance fees**** Includes all the benefits of Everywhere Checking Free basic checks or 50% off other check designs You can also use the checking account comparison chart on our website to find the best checking account for you. Visit First Bank Today Call or visit the First Bank location nearest you. We can help with checking account comparisons and show you why First Bank is the best bank in South Carolina to open a checking account. *While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. ***Loans subject to credit approval. See our Terms and Conditions for complete details on our One Rewards Program. MasterCard, Debit MasterCard and the MasterCard brand marks are trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. ****Direct deposit defined as external ACH credit. Transfers from other First Bank accounts or deposits made at a branch do not apply. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/directdeposit.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/minimum-balance.asp 2 min read

Do You Need Help Financing Your Wedding? First Bank Can Help! A wedding is a beautiful day filled with love and commitment. Many consider it the biggest day of their lives. It’s a day you’ll spend months planning for and the rest of your life remembering. It’s also a day you could spend years paying for. While most couples spend less than $15,000, the average cost of an American wedding is over $25,000. Most couples need help financing a wedding and First Bank can help you take the first step down the aisle. With First Bank, tying the knot doesn’t have to mean tying up your finances. Types of Personalized Financial Options Here are some ways First Bank can help you finance your wedding. Take out a loan. Our personal loans offer competitive rates and flexible terms and won’t burden you with debt.* Open a First Bank credit card. Our rewards-earning credit card** allows you to buy what you need for your big day and then earn rewards. Take out a home equity line of credit. These can be used to make the large purchases required for the wedding of your dreams. Get Financial Help Beyond the Wedding In addition to helping couples finance a wedding, First Bank can provide financial support for the ensuing marriage through services such as savings accounts, life insurance, IRAs, health savings accounts, CDs***, home mortgages, homeowner’s insurance, estate services and more. First Bank has more than 100 locations in the Carolinas to help couples achieve their dream. If you need help financing a wedding, First Bank can be your best man or maid of honor. *Loans subject to credit approval. See our Terms and Conditions for complete details on our One Rewards Program. MasterCard, Debit MasterCard and the MasterCard brand marks are trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. **See our Terms and Conditions for complete details on our One Rewards Program. Loans subject to credit approval. ***CDs are subject to penalty for early withdrawals prior to maturity date. Penalty will reduce earnings. Investment and Insurance Products are NOT Bank Deposits, NOT FDIC-Insured, HAVE NO Bank Guarantee, NOT Insured by any Federal Government Agency, May Go Down in Value ——— Sources: Cost of Wedding: http://www.costofwedding.com/ 2 min read

Find the Best Bank for a Student Checking Account Student checking accounts are a great way for college students to get their finances in order and prepare for the future. But finding the right checking account at the best bank takes some research. Deciding which bank offers the best student checking account comes down to finding one that offers the best benefits and features. Use this guide to determine what features are important to you, then learn how to open a student checking account online today. Guide to Choosing a Student Checking Account When comparing student bank accounts, the Simple Dollar suggests making these four factors top priority: Fees — Checking accounts often have monthly fees, but a lot of banks offer accounts without them. As a college student, you shouldn’t have to worry about wasting your money on monthly maintenance fees. When choosing a checking account, go for the bank that offers no monthly fees for students. Location — When it comes to student banking, location is important. You probably don’t want to travel too far off campus to find an ATM or local branch, so look for banks with locations near you. If you like a bank, but their ATMs are located too far away, ask about their fees on out-of-network ATM transactions. A lot of banks will allow you to make a certain number of ATM transactions per month, fee free. But be careful, although your bank might not charge you a fee, the ATM itself could. Linked savings account — College is a great time to start putting money away for your future. When choosing a bank to open a student checking account, consider a bank that offers a linked savings account. With a linked account you will be able to transfer money easily between accounts, allowing you to save as much or as little as you want each month, and withdraw from your savings whenever you want. Perks — Any good student bank account should come with perks. Decide what features and benefits are important to you, such as mobile banking, mobile check deposit and online bill pay, then look for a bank that offers those perks. Campus Checking from First Bank You know that fees, location, savings and perks are all important in a student checking account, but where can you find 3 min read

First Time Buyer? For most of us, buying a home is the largest purchase we’ll ever make. If you are a first-time homebuyer, you may be asking questions like, “What is a first home mortgage?” What is a First Home Mortgage? A first home mortgage is a loan you will use to purchase your first home. These loans can come in a variety of forms, from conventional home loans to FHA loans for first-time homebuyers. First Bank offers the following mortgage loans* for first-time homebuyers: Conventional Loans Government loans Professional loans Construction loans Jumbo loans In addition to providing a selection of mortgage opportunities, First Bank also offers a wealth of information about what a first home mortgage is and what can be expected when shopping for your first home. Tips for Buying Your First Home Knowing what a first home mortgage is can go a long way toward easing the process of turning that key for the very first time. U.S. News and World Report highlighted some of the most common mistakes first-time home buyers make and how you can avoid them. Among them were: Searching for your dream home before being pre-qualified for a loan. The reality of what a first home mortgage is can be vastly different than what you were hoping for. Take the time to seek out a mortgage loan specialist at a place like First Bank so you can find out what you can afford and what your expected monthly expenses will be. Thinking short-term. First-time buyers are often so focused on moving in that they don’t ever consider moving out. Chances are, you’ll one day be ready to move into another home as you start a family or change jobs. Think about the factors that will affect how you’ll be able to sell your home in five years such as economic growth in the area or neighborhood expansion. Making an emotional decision. It’s important to sign a mortgage paper with your head and not with your heart. You may be overlooking some serious red flags such as expensive repairs, structural damage, or mold simply because you’re in love with the open layout. Find a First Bank Near You Ready to get started? Check out First Bank’s guide 3 min read

3 Tips for Saving Money in Your 20s Saving money in your 20s may seem like an impossible task, but did you know that your 20s is actually prime time to start setting money aside for you future? If you’re wondering how to save money in your 20s, follow these three simple tips for managing your funds and setting yourself up for a financially successful future. 3 Important Money Saving Tips for Young Adults 1. Start an emergency fund. An emergency fund is one of the most important things you can establish in your twenties. Should you experience any financial hardships, such as unemployment, unexpected medical expenses, or an expensive car repair, your emergency fund will be there to cover you. But how much money should you save? That depends on how much you spend each month. Money Under 30 suggests having at least three months of expenses saved up. You can use their Emergency Fund Calculator to get a better idea of how much you should be putting away. 2. Mange your budget. Take a close look at your budget—especially your entertainment budget—to see where you can cut back. Adults in their twenties often spend money on entertainment, like concerts with friends and weekend travel plans, and these areas are often where you can cut back the most. The Penny Hoarder suggests taking charge in your group of friends and making sure your plans are reasonably priced. 3. Pay down your debt. Paying down your loans now will save you money in the future. Forbes recommends focusing on your emergency fund and retirement savings first, then paying off any debt with interest rates over 7%. For interest rates over 7%, you’re likely save more on interest than you would earn by investing that money. Always consult a financial advisor or debt expert before making decisions on consolidation or pay off. Save Money with First Bank Following these three simple money management tips is a great way to reach your savings goals. For more money management tips, check out First Bank’s Financial Education Center or contact us to learn more about our savings accounts. ——— Sources: Betterment: https://www.betterment.com/resources/investment-strategy/strategy-investing-in-your-20s/ Money Under 30: http://www.moneyunder30.com/emergency-fund-calculator PennyHoarder: http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/managing-money-in-your-early-20s/ Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/financialfinesse/2014/03/06/should-you-increase-savings-first-or-pay-down-debt/#7ae4e10b33e6 2 min read

Learn Where to Get Short-Term Personal Loans Today Wondering where to get a short-term personal loan? At First Bank, we offer a selection of loan products that can help you conveniently pay off unexpected expenses or large investments in a shorter period of time. Visit your nearest First Bank branch today to get started. Personal Lending Options at First Bank First Bank offers several personal lending options and lines of credit to help customers pay off big expenses, such as car repairs, doctor’s bills, or unexpected expenses. There are loan officers available at all our branch locations to help you find the right option for your financing needs. In addition, the First Bank Platinum Credit Card with Rewards not only helps you finance your large expenses, but you can also earn rewards.* Benefits include: Every $1 spent on qualified purchases earns 1 point towards your rewards. 24-hour convenient access to your account. Online tools to help you manage your account. Credit card statements are available to download. Easily pay your bills online. Customer service available online. Zero liability for unauthorized purchases. Protection from fraudulent use with MasterCard SecureCode. 26-day grace period for no interest fee. Apply for a Short-Term Personal Loan at First Bank Since 1935, First Bank has worked with communities in North Carolina and South Carolina to lend a helping hand when it comes to financing. With our wide selection of personal and business products, we work to meet the needs of our neighbors with the selection of products you expect from a national bank at the convenience of your local community. For more information on where to get short-term personal loans, visit your nearest First Bank branch today. *Loans subject to credit approval. See our Terms and Conditions for complete details on our One Rewards Program. MasterCard, Debit MasterCard and the MasterCard brand marks are trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. ——— Source: About: http://credit.about.com/od/avoidingdebt/a/basics-of-personal-loans.htm 2 min read

Checking Account Offers in South Carolina If you live in South Carolina and you’re looking for some of the best checking account offers, your local First Bank can help. We offer a variety of checking account options—from basic accounts to accounts with tons of features to premium accounts that earn interest. Checking Accounts at First Bank First Bank is one of the best banks for checking accounts in South Carolina. Each of our checking accounts comes with free online and mobile banking,* online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements. Our checking account offers include: Everywhere Checking — our most basic account. Everywhere Plus — an account that has all the benefits of Everywhere Checking, plus the chance to earn interest on your balance. Everywhere Premium — an account that has all the basics of Everywhere Plus, plus additional complimentary services. Campus Checking — an account designed for students between ages of 16 and 25. Senior Checking — an account designed specifically for seniors over 55. Compare our checking account offers to see which one is the right fit for you. Find a First Bank Near You Find a South Carolina First Bank location near you to learn more about our account offers or click here to open an account online today. While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. The First Bank Digital Banking Apps are available for select mobile and tablet devices. There is no charge from First Bank, but message and data rates may apply. Must enroll in First Bank Online Banking and download the First Bank Digital Banking App from the App Store or Google Play. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple, Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc. Out of network terminal owners may charge a service fee. 2 min read